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Some 30,000 sexual health ‘protection packs' are being distributed nationwide by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme (CPP) over the Christmas period.

The packs contain a condom and a sexual health information leaflet. The CPP is hoping these will get people thinking about contraception and its importance in helping to prevent unplanned pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Previous research has shown that the main reason that 18-25-year-olds do not always use contraception is because sex is not planned or they are unprepared. Another common reason is the influence of alcohol and drugs.

This CPP campaign is targeting the streets outside pubs and nightclubs in towns and cities nationwide, including Dublin, Galway, Wexford and Kerry.

"We aim to provide a timely reminder to sexually active adults to think about contraception by providing sexual health information outside pubs and clubs over the Christmas period.

"It is vital that all sexually active adults look after their sexual health and correctly and consistently use contraception to help prevent unplanned pregnancy and protect against STIs," she commented.